10 Things To Do in Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey [with Suggested Tours]
Are you planning to travel to Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey, soon? Read our tips below on the things to do in Göreme, Cappadocia, with suggested tours.
Göreme, Cappadocia is a famous town in Turkey one should not miss when visiting the country. The Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1985. With fairy chimneys, hot air balloon rides, and cave suites, you would surely have a memorable trip. Read our article and do everything on our list!
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Table of Contents
List of Things to do in Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey
1. Ride in a Hot Air Balloon
One of the best and memorable things to do in Goreme, Cappadocia, is to experience a Hot Air Balloon Ride. Taking pictures with those flying up in the air is not enough; you should hop on and getting a bird’s eye view of the town. Flights are usually in the early morning, so you would experience one of the best sunrises of your life!
Suggested Tour: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon and Tour
2. Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum
The Goreme Open Air Museum is another thing on our list of things to do in Goreme. There are cave churches, fresco paintings, rock settlements, chimneys, and many more. You would be in awe of such a magnificent landscape with so much history in one place.
Suggested Tour: Goreme Open Air Museum
3. Discover the Churches
Visit the exquisite churches all over Goreme. You could see most churches in the Open Air Museum like the Dark Church or Karanlik Kilise, Carikli Church, Tokali Kilise, and Elmali Church. There are also Churches outside the museum, like the Durmus Kadir and Yusuf Koc, which were built in the 6th and 11th centuries, respectively. These are pretty historic built on caves with gorgeous frescos or architecture.
Suggested Tour: Cappadocia: Full-Day Private Tour
4. Check out the Fairy Chimneys (Pasabag)
Pasabag or Monk’s Valley is filled with fairy chimneys formed of a cap, neck, and supporting body made due to volcanic activity and erosion. This natural wonder feels like fairies really made it as it is quite striking. Another historical point about these is that monks hollowed out some chimneys to hide here to distance themselves from the world.
Suggested Tour: Pasabag
5. See the view at Sunset View Point
If you want to see an amazing view of Goreme, then hike to Sunset View Point. It will offer you a panoramic view of this charming town. If you wish to see the balloons flying over the town, come in the morning. Should you want to vast over it without the balloons, come during sunset. It’s an easy hike, so don’t worry!
Suggested Tour: Cappadocia ATV Tours
6. Eat at a Pottery Kebab
Kebab is one of the most beloved Turkish dishes. However, the ones in this region are quite special. The Testi Kebab or Pottery Kebab is a stew that’s baked inside a clay pot. Sounds common? But wait, it’s not yet done – the pot is then cracked opened on your table. Enjoy this tasty dish while it’s hot!
7. Feed the Pigeons at Pigeon Valley
Near the Uchisar Castle and town is the Pigeon Valley. It’s actually named Pigeons because many live here, so buy some feeds and give them food. What’s more wonderful about this place is the spectacular view. It’s something you should not miss when in Cappadocia!
Suggested Tour: Cappadocia: Small-Group Oasis of Cappadocia Tour
8. Discover the Underground City
Near Goreme is another town, Derinkuyu. You should get a day trip from here and see Kaymakli or Derinkuyu Underground City. Both are ancient cities built underground. There’s not much difference, though, but Kamakli is wider and has an entrance and exit, while at Derinkuyu only one way to go in and out. It’s a great place to get a glimpse of what it’s like to live below.
Suggested Tour: Kaymakli Underground City
9. Shop for souvenirs
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Support local and shop some goodies and crafts made by the natives! You could buy some trinkets, Turkish delights, or even handmade clothing. Turkeys and Pottery are also amazing here but could be bulky. In case you want a gem, they also sell Onyx.
10. Sleep in a Cave
Since Goreme is a town full of rock formations and caves, you should experience sleeping in one, too! Rather than a typical hotel or hostel, feel like you live in ancient times as you enjoy sleeping in a cave. Don’t worry; there’ll be beds and bathrooms, too. However, the walls and dwellings are in there.
11. Find accommodation in Goreme Cappadocia, Turkey
Where to stay in Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey
Budget Hotel
Boasting a terrace overlooking fairy chimney rock formations, The Dorm Cave By Travellers has an authentic structure. The Dorm Cave By Travellers features hand-carved cave dorm rooms with stone walls. There are shared sleeping and bathroom facilities. Traditionally decorated rooms with private bathrooms are also available.
Price: Starts at USD 19 for a Standard Double Room for two
Luxury Hotel
Situated in Goreme, 2.7 km from Goreme Open-Air Museum and 2.8 km from Dark Church, Arinna Cappadocia features accommodation with free WiFi and a garden. The hotel offers a terrace with panoramic views of hot air balloons and fairy chimneys. Fitted with a patio, the units offer air conditioning and feature a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer.
Price: Starts at USD 108 for a Deluxe Cave Room for two
How to go to Goreme, Cappadocia, Turkey
By Air: The nearest airport is the Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV). There are regular domestic flights from Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya to this airport. From the airport, you can ride a shuttle bus. It would take about 40 minutes.
Another airport in Cappadocia is Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR). Aside from domestic flights, there are also flights from Belgium and Germany. There are also seasonal flights from Poland, Austria, and the Netherlands. You can catch a shuttle bus at the airport or the central bus station to Goreme. It could take an hour.
From Istanbul, Turkey: It’s pretty far, so flying is highly recommended. In case you want a land trip, then you can ride a train from Istanbul to Ankara. It would take about 3.5 to 4 hours. So your travel time would be about 8 hours to Goreme.
From Ankara, Turkey: Go to the Ankara Bus Station and ride a bus for Goreme. It would take about 4 hours.
About the Writer
Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and fell in love with the journey since. I aim to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, taking pictures, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram.
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Hi,
Name of the county is Türkiye however, people call as Turkey when England start to buy Turkey’s from kayseri(a small province in Turkey) that it was hard to tell the name therefore by the time, named as Turkey
Have an enjoy in Turkey!
Thank you for the website and great pics. A friend of mine actually owns the Sultan Cave Hotel. Wonderful and imaginative architecture, great food and hospitality. I’ve done some long distance running in the Valleys-just spectacular and inspiring. Good luck to you in these not so spectacular times!
Please do not put me on a mailing list for promo as I already travel privately with some frequency to Turkey.
Yea travelling is my dream specially for such an awesome places like Cappadocia, so in the 1st opportunity Inshallah I will be there, what a fantastic place this one Jaypee.
y wold they name a country turkey?????❓?
thank u it makes no sense and when in the real world when are u gonna use this type of stuff
I’m planning to visit on January too, for my birthday, but I am worried it might be too windy or snowy. Do you have any advise of which month is best to visit cappadocia?
in spring months…
Hi guys! What month did you visit Turkey? 🙂 Im planning to go in January. Is it okay to go in winter especially in Cappadocia? Im afraid there’ll be no balloons 🙁
Hi miss kach,
My friends and I are planning t go on a travel and I guess turkey should be part of the choices. Just some quiriea miss kach where can we get a visa when we are here in KSA working? Thanks much
Get it from the Turkish Embassy.
Cappadocia is definitely on my travel bucket list, as well the cave suit and the balloon flight. The rock formations are looking a lot like the Belogradchik rocks in Bulgaria.
So many beautiful sights! I’ve always wanted to go on a hot air balloon ride and that looks like the perfect place to do it 🙂 Also the cave suite looks cool!
Those should no be missed, Laura. Same goes with the rest from this list of 7 Awesome Things to do in Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey.
These are all such good ideas, I’d love to visit Turkey!
Thank you, Emily! Anything you like most from these 7 Awesome Things to do in Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey?
This looks amazing! I have to admit, I’d love to stay in a cave suite. What an amazing place to visit x
Most will like to stay there too, Louise. Hope you can visit Turkey and try these 7 Awesome Things to do in Göreme, Cappadoca.
Wow these are all amazing! I love the idea of staying in a cave, and the pottery kebab is so intriguing!
Yes, Becca! Those two are perfect picks from these 7 Awesome Things to do in Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey.
Wow this looks like an amazing place! That cave room is something else, what an experience!
amazing experience, Ali! Hope you can explore Turkey and try these 7 Awesome Things to do in Göreme, Cappadocia.
Ah, now you’ve gone and made me all jealous – I’ve wanted to visit Cappadocia for years! You’ve made me more determined to get there one day…
This is the right time to try these 7 Awesome Things to do in Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey, Jacqui!
I have always wanted to go in a hot air balloon, I imagine it would be very peaceful.
I love the rock animals, they really do look like a camel and a snail!
Awesome choices, Helen! 🙂 You will love all these 7 Awesome Things to do in Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey!
Oh my gosh a cave suite looks AMAZING! I would love to give that a go 🙂
Totally Amazing, Harriet! You must give it a go now and might as well try the rest from these 7 Awesome Things to do in Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey!
I would love to stay in a cave suite or take a balloon ride, I think it would be amazing! Your pictures are fabulous too! xx
Thank you, Charli. Your choices and all in the list of 7 Awesome Things to do in Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey would be a real adventure. 🙂
I would love to take a ballon flight, that would be awesome
You will love it, Anosa! Any plan for a visit and try these 7 Awesome Things to do in Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey?
Your pictures are so beautiful. I want a ballon ride!
Thank you! Everyone wants it and it justifies why it should be on this list of 7 Awesome Things to do in Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey. 😉
WOW….ITS VERY NICE
great photography and have been to Turkey many times, but not here, wish I had, as it looks like a fantastic trip.
the potted kebab looked like it was yummy, turkish food is quite yummy 🙂
When are you coming back to Turkey? You must try these 7 Awesome Things to do in Göreme, Cappadocia whenever it is.
omg i want to visit here. the national park and the hot air balloons are what i want to do
Great post. I love the idea of a balloon ride and watching sunset
We stayed in a cave suit when we were in Santorini, so I would love to stay in one again.
How was it Dannii? Hope you can experience it too in Turkey. If you are there, try the rest from these 7 Awesome Things to do in Göreme, Cappadocia as well.
Oh wow, I’d want to go on a balloon flight for sure. I’d love to see some of those landscapes for myself.
That would be awesome, Liz! Sure you can try these 7 Awesome Things to do in Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey soon.
really its very nice and am I misss them so sad…
Turkey always looks like it has some spectacular places to visit – all the scenery! x
Turkey is a beautiful country, Sarah! Having these 7 Awesome Things to do in Göreme, Cappadocia is only a part of what you can do.
Oh my god the cave place looks amazing, and the whole place looks so pretty x
One of the most stunning places on earth, how awesome would it be to stay in the cave hotel? How fun!
Hi Ana! These 7 Awesome Things to do in Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey speak how fun it was.
I didn’t realise you could stay in a cave suite that is different isn’t it!
Oh wow, I now want to stay in a cave hotel, it looks and sounds just absolutely amazing, so unique and definitely a talking point x
Yes, Rachel. One of the highlights when you are in Turkey. Check all these 7 Awesome Things to do in Göreme, Cappadocia whenever you are in the country.
I have only been to Turkey once, and that was a day trip when we were staying in Kos and got a boat over, we obviously didn’t get to see much apart from the shopping. It is somewhere we would like to go to one day x
Time to go back and try these 7 Awesome Things to do in Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey! 🙂
I love the sound of Imagination Valley. Those formations do look like a snail and a camel. Your photos are amazing too.
Thank you, Tori! So much to explore and we tried to compile it here on 7 Awesome Things to do in Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey.
This looks and sounds so much fun! I love it! I want to go in a hot air balloon!
You must, Ana! Looking forward to the time you can try these 7 Awesome Things to do in Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey